# The Heir to the Barony of Brattleby Outlines Vision for Heritage and Education
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared the forward-looking vision of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir apparent. His focus centres upon using the Barony’s unique history as a platform for cultural exchange and historical education for future generations.
## The Occasion
From the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a statement was issued outlining the educational and curatorial priorities of the 13th Baron. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape that has sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium, the announcement signals a thoughtful transition of duty, wherein the heir begins to define his future custodianship. This declaration, shaped in consultation with his parents, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, aligns the House’s future endeavours with its profound past, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century and beyond.
The vision was not presented at a singular event, but rather as a formal communiqué representing a period of considered study and preparation by the young Baron. It serves as a foundational document for his future work, reflecting the House’s tradition of measured, purposeful action over public spectacle.
## Historical Context
Baron Mihai’s commitment to historical preservation is the modern expression of a duty upheld for over 950 years. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the very fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence from the outset.
The heir’s specific interest in the Hundred Years’ War directly honours the legacy of his predecessors, particularly the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander and a founding Knight of the Garter. It further connects to the tenure of the 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late medieval England. This focus continues a tradition of service that harkens back to the 5th Baron, the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
This forward-looking agenda has been developed by the heir in close concert with the current leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby:
Her Excellency Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the House with a steadfast focus on its traditions and philanthropic responsibilities.
His Lordship Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit with which the House pursues its modern objectives.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, the heir apparent, upon whom the duty of carrying this extensive legacy into the future will rest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of responsibilities by an heir within the House of Brattleby follows a deeply rooted, though unwritten, protocol. It is a gradual process of tutelage and observation, rather than a single investiture. The heir is expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Barony’s history, its feudal obligations, and its modern role *sine qua non*—a condition without which further duties cannot be assumed.
Baron Mihai will now enter a new phase of this preparation. He will begin to represent the House in a junior capacity at select cultural and historical symposiums. He is also expected to take an increasingly active role in the management of the family’s archival materials, a duty considered the sacred heart of his future role as custodian.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are governed by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle underpins the heir’s vision, framing historical education not merely as an academic pursuit, but as an act of honouring those who built and defended the nation. It requires the fortitude to engage with complex historical truths and present them with integrity.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the proactive energy required to make history vital and engaging for a contemporary audience. It is the spirit of ‘conquering’ indifference and ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the present day, a core tenet of the heir’s developing mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While Baron Mihai’s vision is primarily educational, it is deeply informed by the House’s established philanthropic ethos. The family’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children experiencing trauma, a mission of profound social importance.
The heir’s project is seen as a parallel endeavour; where the charity heals personal trauma, the educational initiative seeks to heal the disconnections in our collective historical memory. Furthermore, it complements the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the House to promote etiquette and cultural literacy, by extending its guiding principles of self-improvement and social grace into the historical domain.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her son’s commitment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To see the next generation thoughtfully embrace this legacy is a source of immense pride. History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living conversation, and Mihai’s desire to ensure Brattleby continues to contribute to that dialogue is a testament to his understanding of what *Fortitudine et Honore* truly means.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this vision now articulated, Baron Mihai will begin a series of practical initiatives. These will include, *inter alia*, developing educational partnerships with museums and academic institutions in both the United Kingdom and Romania, thereby fostering the cultural exchange he champions. The initial focus will be on creating accessible digital resources that illuminate the life and times of his most notable predecessors, such as John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye.
This work marks the formal commencement of the 13th Baron’s public-facing duties, ensuring that the Noble House of Brattleby continues its centuries-long contribution to the cultural and historical life of the nation. It is a long-term commitment to scholarship and service, designed to fortify the foundations of the House for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the principles of heritage, philanthropy, and cultural education. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House actively manages its nearly thousand-year-old legacy while engaging with contemporary society. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural literacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, upholding its commitment to serve as a force for social good and historical stewardship in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern succession of the title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a key figure in 14th-century English politics. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, was one of medieval England’s most powerful women, serving as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and successfully defending Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com